Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power competition in the Arctic. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
